When Nintendo announced Super Mario 3D All-Stars, fans were obviously ecstatic to finally be able to play some of the greatest titles in the Super Mario Bros. series, as this collection includes none other than Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy.
While the game wasn't the fully remastered version that had been rumoured for a while, it was still enough to make everyone excited for the announcement — even when the collection, for some reason that Nintendo hasn't revealed yet, doesn't include the critically acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 not being part of the collection was definitely a disappointment, but things didn't stop there, as Nintendo also revealed that Super Mario 3D All-Stars would only be available for a limited time, and that players would only be able to purchase it until the 31st of March in 2021.
Many believe that this mainly applies to physical copies, and that the game will eventually be re-released on the Nintendo Switch eShop, but the company has not really revealed any additional details in regards to this particular topic.
NPD Group analyst Mat Piscatella is also positive that Nintendo will not be discontinuing Super Mario 3D All-Stars, but he also knows that Nintendo is one of the most unpredictable companies out there, and that anything is possible.
"I don't think these games will disappear, like what would happen with the old school Disney Vault, but I think there may be additional flexibility and buying options," revealed Piscatella during a recent interview with GameDaily.biz.
Piscatella then added: "For example, à la carte purchasing options on eShop. The sales of Super Mario 3D All-Stars should provide additional confidence in bringing other legacy titles to the new platforms, to say the least. But again, it's Nintendo, so I expect to be surprised."
Super Mario 3D All-Stars isn't even the only product that was announced for the character's 35th anniversary, as Super Mario Bros. 35 and the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld system are also going to be available for a limited time. While it is understandable that the Game & Watch is only manufactured for a limited time, games should be available once they release.
The Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. was actually revealed to be available through roughly the 31st of March in 2021, and will become available in a few more weeks; much like the games, players will still have more than enough time to purchase these products.
At this point in time it is difficult to predict whether Nintendo will eventually bring these games back, but the fact that they will only be available for a limited time has raised quite a few eyebrows.
Three Mario adventures in one collection jumps on to Nintendo Switch! With HD visuals, take Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy on the go in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. The collection arrives September 18 as a limited release until the end of March 2021.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is available for the Nintendo Switch, for a limited time, until the 31st of March, 2021.